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College graduates to launch class action after waiting for qualifications for up to six years

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Wednesday, 06 December 2017 09:40

City Press reports that, tired of having their lives on hold for up to six years, college students are hoping to launch a class action against the state for not ensuring that they receive their graduation certificates.

Keneilwe Molawa, a former student at Motheo technical and vocational education and training (TVET) college in Bloemfontein, has been desperately trying to get her civil engineering and building construction national vocational certificate since 2010. Her six-year struggle could soon come to an end if a private law firm launches a massive pro bono class action against the government for failing to force public colleges to issue certificates to hundreds of deserving graduates like Malowa. Empty certificate holders were handed over to graduates with a promise that their certificates would follow later. But, it has been a treacherous journey bedevilled with lies and empty promises. Higher Education and Training (DHET) Minister Hlengiwe Mkhize admitted last month that there were delays, but argued they were being prioritised. Pretoria-based law firm Maluleke Seriti Makume Matlala Incorporated has agreed to take on the DHET on behalf of the disadvantaged graduates, but it needs to have a list of at least 100 affected students to lodge the case. The firm has urged as many as possible to come forward.